PM Modi in his Independence Day speech said the people of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' had "thanked him a lot in the past few days". Ahmed alleged that the Baloch leaders had asked Modi to commit aggression against Pakistan. PM Modi's statement sparked protests across Balochistan, with large numbers of tribesmen taking to the streets in protest in Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Quetta, Chaman and other parts of the province.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri, in a speech last week, slammed PM Modi's statements, alleging that the Indian government "fully supports the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan".

Zehri's speech came days after a video showing exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti appreciating "support" given to the Baloch people by PM Modi began circulating on social media. He also alleged that the Indian government "is deeply involved in sponsoring elements like Brahamdagh Bugti, Harbiyar Marri, Zamran Marri and Allah Nazar".